Job Title: Technical Director, Molecular Cellular Biology

Department: Molecular Biology

Campus Location: Main Campus

FLSA Status: Exempt/ Salaried

Position Type/ Work Schedule

• 2080 Hours per year
• 12 Months per year
• 40 Hours per week (Estimated)

About Us

At Colorado College, 2,300 students learn and live on our beautiful 99-acre campus in downtown Colorado Springs. We attract top students seeking new perspectives with an array of experiential learning opportunities possible only in an immersive learning environment. Here, students take only one class at a time to facilitate deep exploration of a topic. We call this the Block Plan. This unique approach allows members of our campus community to share a rhythm of experience as we work together to fulfill our mission. 

Job Summary

Design, test, and implement investigative research projects for laboratory courses; manage, operate, and maintain departmental instrumentation; provide technical support and student training for faculty-student collaborative research projects; support lab courses and research by working with the Lab Coordinator to maintain departmental resources; supervise the Lab Coordinator, paraprofessional, and student workers.

Responsibilities

• Design, test, and implement investigative research projects for molecular biology lab courses, including working with faculty to identify the targeted learning goals and research objectives and working autonomously to develop an implementation plan.
• Manage, operate, and maintain departmental instrumentation including, but not limited to, fluorescence microscopes, a flow cytometer, spectrophotometers, ultralow freezers, autoclaves, a real-time thermocycler, gel imagers, incubators, shakers, tape station, plate reader, and centrifuges. Ensure equipment is functional, coordinate maintenance contracts, decide when repairs or maintenance is needed and perform repairs or hire technicians, and determine when equipment needs to be replaced.
• Manage, monitor, and organize departmental instructional budget and coordinate budget with the Administrative Assistant.
• Assist in hiring paraprofessional and student workers. Supervise Lab Coordinator, paraprofessional, and student workers and engage in supervisory professional development.
• Train students to use departmental instrumentation in courses and as needed for faculty-student collaborative research projects. Provide appropriate safety training for safe and responsible use of equipment.
• Directly support and maintain up-to-date knowledge of faculty-student collaborative research projects by providing technical, hands-on laboratory expertise to help meet goals and complete timelines for manuscript and grant submissions, tenure, and promotions.
• Stay current on molecular biology techniques, integrate them into courses, and provide technical support for techniques for research; attend workshops and/or conferences to learn about new molecular biology techniques and their applications.
• Provide teaching support to faculty such as supplementation of instructional materials, technical expertise, and in-class presentation of materials if needed due to sick leave or emergencies.
• Work collaboratively with the Lab Coordinator to catalog and maintain an inventory of molecular biology reagents, coordinate laboratory purchases and Capital/Kresge requests, catalog and remove hazardous waste, and ensure materials needed for courses are prepared and available in the classroom.
• Promote a culture of safety and environmental protection by working in a safe manner around chemicals and solvents, mechanical, electrical, biological, and/or other hazards; immediately reporting unsafe situations and accidents; following college procedures and applicable governmental regulations; and participating in appropriate safety training.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in molecular biology or a related field plus a minimum of two years of full-time laboratory work in molecular biology with knowledge of isolation of DNA, RNA, and protein, polymerase chain reaction, molecular cloning, electrophoresis, fluorescence and bright field microscopy, spectrophotometry, detection of macromolecules, and model organism husbandry; proficient in basic math and biochemistry, and a comprehensive understanding of genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, and chemistry laboratory preparations. Other important characteristics include the ability to work effectively with both faculty and students, personal integrity, excellent organizational and communication skills, ability to work independently, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to equity and inclusion. Physical requirements include prolonged standing, frequent bending, reaching, climbing of stairs, and walking with occasional moderate physical effort (lifting up to 50 pounds).

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology or related field, experience in higher education and demonstrated supervisory and leadership ability.

Applicants are welcome to apply even if you do not meet the preferred qualifications. We value diverse perspectives and encourage individuals with a genuine interest in the role to submit their applications. 

Other Position Details:

• Supervises Staff
• Position will not drive CC vehicles

Application Instructions

• Continuous Recruitment - for full consideration, apply by: June 20, 2025
• This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.  

Required documents include a cover letter and a Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range:

• $56,485 to $67,339 per year

What We Offer:

As part of the total compensation for Staff and Faculty roles, we offer a competitive benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid vacation and sick time - accrual of 7.34 hours of vacation per pay period (176 hours, 22 days per year) and 4 hours of sick time per pay period (96 hours, 12 days per year)
• Paid seasonal breaks and holidays (20 days per year)
• 403(b) retirement plans where employees contribute 5% of pay and CC contributes 10%
• Tuition benefits for the employee and eligible dependents
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Assistance Program
• Wellness benefits including free access to the sports center, swimming pool, arts and crafts, outdoor programs, and financial consultants

Accommodation Statement:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Colorado College’s policies, if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Colorado College, or if you cannot use the online application system, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (719) 389-6421 or HR@ColoradoCollege.edu

E-Verify Information:

This organization participates in E-Verify. For more information, visit www.e-verify.gov.

Benefit Information:

Please refer to https://mybensite.com/coloradocollege/

Leave Information:

Please refer to https://www.coloradocollege.edu/basics/welcome/leadership/policies/vacation-leave-and-accrual.html